Which of the following is NOT a use of physical restraint?

• A. To hold a child to prevent harm
• B. To enforce compliance
• C. To contain acute physical behavior
• D. To ensure safety during a crisis

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is identified as the use of physical restraint for enforcing compliance. In Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), the primary purpose of physical restraint is to manage a situation where a child's behavior poses an imminent risk of harm to themselves or others. Restraint should be used strictly in situations that require immediate action to ensure safety, such as containing acute physical behaviors or providing safety during a crisis.

Using physical restraint to enforce compliance goes against the principles of TCI, which emphasizes de-escalation and understanding the underlying causes of behavior rather than controlling or punishing the individual. This reinforces the approach of fostering a supportive environment rather than one based on power dynamics, which can further exacerbate conflict and trauma for the child. The focus of TCI is on therapeutic responses to crisis situations, prioritizing the emotional and physical well-being of the child rather than merely enforcing rules or compliance.